Video: Va. deputy deploys TASER on combative suspect

Suspect became aggressive toward the officer during the confrontation, at one point choking him

By PoliceOne Staff

ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, Va. — A video capturing a sheriff’s deputy deploying a TASER on a combative suspect has the man’s family claiming the officer used excessive force.

According to WAVY, the incident began when suspect Ervin Laws was stopped for public intoxication.

Laws became aggressive toward the officer during the confrontation, at one point choking the deputy, according to the Isle of Wight County Sheriff’s Office.

“The deputy was thrown into the vehicle, which caused damage to the vehicle” said Isle of Wight Major James Clarke. “The deputy felt at that that time he had to break free and at that time he had to use the TASER.”

As seen in the video, Laws repeatedly shouts at the officer to deploy the TASER on him.

Despite the family’s claim that excessive force was used, the sheriff’s office believes proper protocol was used, according to the report.

Lewis received medical treatment after he suffered a head injury after falling on the pavement during the TASER deployment.

Lewis is charged with assaulting an officer, strangulation, damaging a patrol car, public intoxication and disorderly conduct. WAVY reported Lewis also has a prior record. He pled guilty to disorderly conduct and assault on a police officer in 2000, and a cocaine possession charge in 2010.